New toys for DJing...

**travism** · 01-20-2008, 05:47 PM

Doing my regular round online (after checking out the MBA), I saw some new stuff which caught my eye. I've said that the M Audio Xponent & the Vestax VCI100 controllers are so far at the top of my list for DJ software controllers but after looking around, I saw some new stuff announced which will surely rock the boat when it comes to controllers.
The one thing that stood out for me was the NS7 from Numark. Numark is getting in bed with Serato & from this partnership, the NS7 was born.I also noticed that Serato will be coming up with "Itch"... (That's for another blog. Still doing research) Looking at the NS7, I immediately saw one flaw... It's again made for a 2 channel set up. (This maybe a bias coz I like the 4 channel option... Hehehe) The controller looks massive. I looks bigger than the Xponent & VCI100. The look also speaks of a metal feel. The Xponent & VCI100 come off as "plasticky" & the NS7 looks rigid. Looking from a Traktor point of view, I looked at the knobs, faders & job wheels. I've tried mapping it in my mind & so far I found a purpose for every button, fader & knob. The NS7 may have a built in soundcard. But I'm expecting a low end one like the Xponents. The size of the jog dials look like they're the same size as cds with is bigger the the Total Control's which is the current controller they are championing. The build & look may become the new standard in DJ controllers soon but it beckons me to ask... Will the extra features & space kill the portability aspect of the DJ controller? Hmmm...
Next up on the radar is the Vestax VCM100... Now this baby is built for any DJ with a 15 inch powerbook or macbook pro. It fits nicely & even had a rest for the laptop. The layout is a little compact & the one thing I like about this is the rotary mixer knobs. It brings an old school feel again. Every thing is there & the layout of the knobs, faders & buttons are actually very well placed. But there is that 2 channel feel to it again. There is a built in soundcard & the cables run under the laptop so clutter won't be a big thing. (I wonder also if it's a sign because the first 2 controllers which I mentioned, use a 15 inch macbook pro in the display. Hehehe)
On the software look out, Decadance will be releasing a beta version which is Mac compatible. The software is not picky with what ever hardware you use with it. You can use Serato's vinyl & scratch amp with it & it'll work. Traktor scratch's vinyl & soundcard is also a part of the llist of hardware you can use it with. Mixvibes & Ms. Pinky hardware are also accepted. This software can work with any hardware & use the hardware the way it was meant to be. Honestly, at the time I was looking for a software for DJing, I actually was looking at Decadance but at the time, it wasn't Mac compatible. Hmmmm...
Now on the mixer side, I am in love with the Korg zero8 & zero4 mixers. They look very versatile & the built in effects are a blast to use.Known for the production side, I'd love to see it in a DJ arena. The downside for this is just the price tag... Yikes! The Pioneer DJM 700 is also being marketed heavily. This lil baby looks promising & is very cool when it comes to features. Allen & Heath has come out with a Xone 32. It boasts of the 92 & famed 62 combined in a lil brother theme.
Mixvibes & the Alcatech Digiscratch are other alternatives for Serato & Traktor Scratch. Though these programs / systems aren't available still locally, try googling them.
So much new toys are coming out of the wood work... Hehe until next time gear*****s!
Cheers

**Sponsor** · 01-20-2008 05:47 PM

**CooLes** · 01-20-2008, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by travism

On the software look out, Decadance will be releasing a beta version which is Mac compatible. The software is not picky with what ever hardware you use with it. You can use Serato's vinyl & scratch amp with it & it'll work. Traktor scratch's vinyl & soundcard is also a part of the llist of hardware you can use it with. Mixvibes & Ms. Pinky hardware are also accepted. This software can work with any hardware & use the hardware the way it was meant to be. Honestly, at the time I was looking for a software for DJing, I actually was looking at Decadance but at the time, it wasn't Mac compatible. Hmmmm...

Deckadance is now finally in beta version from Image Line. The good thing about Deckadance is that it can also host any VST compliant softsynth or effect. Something that Traktor is not yet able to do.

Will be getting a mobile companion for my music soon so will let you know how well it goes since am also starting out in production this year.

And speaking of new toys, you can't miss the new Pacemaker.

**loudchild** · 02-26-2008, 06:47 AM

I am currently looking for a new midi controller to replace my old bcd2k since its beginning to show some wear and tear from its years of service when i stumbled upon this forum. Its so nice to see a lot of other DJs and music enthusiasts who are into the digital music mixing.

i just want to get some advise as to what midi controller should i purchase. i only have 20K to shell out and i am a bit uncomfortalbe in purchasing my equipment online. i just dont like to have my equipment "get lost or damage while in transit" nor to pay the high taxes imposed by the BOC. if anyone can help me on deciding what to buy and point me where to get it, that would be nice. i dont mind paying for it in cash or getting a second hand unit as long as it is in good working condition and will not give me headaches in the future lol

thanks in advance.

**nomanji** · 02-26-2008, 09:43 AM

just get another bcd. you are already familiar with it.

**motogpph** · 02-26-2008, 09:49 AM

good suggestion nomanji! BTW, am selling mine, it can be found here http://www.philmug.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=23624

**loudchild** · 02-26-2008, 10:42 AM

actually i want to try something else.my bcd2k can still give me another year. i just want a new toy. hehehehe

**CooLes** · 02-26-2008, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by loudchild

actually i want to try something else.my bcd2k can still give me another year. i just want a new toy. hehehehe

So you've successfully used your BCD-2000 on your Mac? Either you need just a new controller, a new sound card or both.

**nomanji** · 02-26-2008, 08:33 PM

you can try numark's total contral and djio combo but that's over your budget. stick with the bcd.

====

cooles, most likely he's using a windows machine for the bcd.

**loudchild** · 02-27-2008, 12:44 AM

ya im using a laptop than runs on windows with the bcd2k. Do you guys think its logical to get a bcd3k?i heard wala namang gaanong difference so i may just be wasting my money on that since i still have the bcd2k.

BTW@motogpph my friend is asking what is the last price for the bcd2k.

**CooLes** · 02-27-2008, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by loudchild

ya im using a laptop than runs on windows with the bcd2k. Do you guys think its logical to get a bcd3k?i heard wala namang gaanong difference so i may just be wasting my money on that since i still have the bcd2k.

Save your money and invest in separates. There are tons of midi controllers to choose from if you are not happy with the way its controlled in your BCD. Same with audio interfaces. And pick one that doesn't restrict your usage on a particular OS. However, the BCD-3000 is not a good option if all you wanted was Mac compatibility.

And don't forget that the just-announced, early 2008 MacBook/MacBook Pros are definitely one of the new toys for DJing this year! HTH